Photo Flash: First Look - Season Premiere of ABC's THE BACHELOR

Related: THE BACHELOR, ABC, Reality TV

Bachelor Nation was shocked when fan favorite Sean Lowe was left heartbroken on a beach in Curcao earlier this year. Deeply in love, the handsome and sincere Texan envisioned starting a family with Emily Maynard. But in what became one of the most shocking moments of the season, Emily blindsided Sean, rejecting him and sending his heartfelt dreams crashing down around him. He was devastated and alone then, but he has not given up on love. Sean is back as the Bachelor and ready to risk it all again for another chance at love. He begins the search for his soul mate, choosing from among 26 beautiful bachelorettes, when the 17th edition of "The Bachelor" premieres MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) , on ABC. Get a first look below!

In "Episode 1701," Sean kicks off his journey - not by meeting beautiful bachelorettes, but by meeting with a friend -- someone who was also left heartbroken by Emily -- Arie Lukendyk, Jr. The handsome race driver offers his support as well as some hilarious, if questionable advice.

The women are confused and concerned when Sean gives another early rose to an enchanting wedding gown designer. When yet another bachelorette returns with a rose, the others realize that all the rules are out the window; if Sean feels a connection with one of them, she will get a rose right then and there. However not all the women are lucky enough to receive an early rose, and they wonder how best to impress him. One vulnerable woman reaches out to the Bachelor with honesty and sincerity. Another comes on strong, while still another repeatedly tries to steal his attention. Twelve women head into the rose ceremony with roses safely in hand. Sean, acknowledging how difficult it is to send seven more home, selects seven additional bachelorettes at the rose ceremony. Nineteen women will continue on with him in the search to find love.

As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated each week, but if at any point a woman should decide that she's no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

Photo credit: ABC/RICK ROWELL